Revelation 12:9

The great dragon. See on v. 3.

Was cast out. Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven in ages past (2 Peter 2:4), prior to the creation of this world. Nevertheless, it seems that until the cross he had access to heavenly beings, and to a limited extent, possibly as “prince of this world” (John 12:31; Luke 4:6), but not as an inhabitant of heaven, to the precincts of heaven (see below on “into the earth”). However this may be, a decisive casting out occurred at the cross, as our Lord Himself declared (John 12:31, 32). That John here (Rev. 12:9) refers most particularly to events connected with Christ’s triumph on the cross is evident from the context (vs. 10–13). The following points may be noted:

1. The proclamation in vs. 10–12 by a “loud voice … in heaven” is more or less parenthetical, its purpose being to explain the significance of the casting down of Satan in v. 9, first with respect to the inhabitants of heaven and then to those of this earth. Following this explanatory parenthesis, v. 13 takes up the narrative of Satan’s activities at the point where it was left in v. 9. Accordingly, vs. 10–12 constitute, primarily, a statement concerning the status of the plan of salvation at the point of time when Satan was “cast out into the earth.”

2. The first declaration by the “loud voice” consists of a series of facts relative to Christ’s triumph over Satan on the cross—the plan of “salvation” was made sure, “strength” was provided for resisting the wiles of Satan, Christ’s “kingdom” was made sure, and His “power,” literally, “authority,” to be man’s Saviour, high priest, and king was confirmed (Matt. 28:18).

3. The reason assigned in Rev. 12:10 for this fourfold achievement is specifically said to be that “the accuser of our brethren is cast down.” This clearly links these accomplishments with the casting down of v. 9.

4. At the time of the casting down of vs. 9, 10, 13 “the accuser of our brethren” had already been actively accusing “them before our God day and night.” Obviously, the fall here referred to came after a period during which Satan had been accusing “the brethren,” and it would therefore appear that this cannot be the original casting out of Satan prior to the creation of our earth.

5. Verse 11 specifically states that it was “the blood of the Lamb”—the death of Christ upon the cross—that had made victory over the “accuser of our brethren” possible.

Old. Gr. archaios, “ancient,” “old,” from archē, “beginning.” Our English word “archaic” comes from archaios. Compare John 8:44.

Serpent. A reference to the serpent who deceived Eve (Gen. 3:1).

Devil. Gr. diabolos, “a slanderer” (see on Matt. 4:1).

Satan. Gr. Satanas, a transliteration of the Heb. śaṭan, meaning “adversary” (see on Zech. 3:1).

Deceiveth. Gr. planaō, “to cause to wander,” “to lead astray,” “to deceive” (see on Matt. 18:12).

World. Gr. oikoumenē, literally, the “inhabited [world],” from oikeō, “to dwell” (see on Matt. 4:8).

Into the earth. The controversy in heaven began over plans for the creation of man. When the earth was created and Adam was appointed its vicegerent, Satan directed his efforts at overthrowing the newly created man. When he succeeded in bringing about the downfall of Adam and Eve he claimed the earth as his domain (see on Matt. 4:8, 9). However, he did not confine his efforts to this earth but tempted also the inhabitants of other worlds. Not until the second coming of Christ will Satan be completely confined to this earth (see on Rev. 20:3).